A Statement from CIS of Houston CEO Lisa Descant

Communities In Schools of Houston is deeply affected by the hurt and pain that so many are feeling since witnessing the killing of George Floyd. As witnesses we are called to share the truth and provide account of the event. The truth is that institutionalized racism and racial oppression exist. Our black and brown students and alumni experience it daily. Our black and brown colleagues have experienced it and continue to experience it throughout their lives. Mr. Floyd died on a public street because of it.  

One of the very principles of CIS is the belief that all children deserve a safe place to learn and grow. Yet, racism, discrimination, bias, microagressions and oppression do not allow safety and health to thrive. Racism attempts to stifle hope and dismantle mental health. Discrimination seeks to steal confidence and possibility. Bias tries to bind hands and minds. Microagressions intimidate and cause injury. Oppression kills.

This simply is not tolerable. Our children deserve education with equity. Our students call for a true understanding and appreciation for the spectrum of diversity, talent, experience, culture and capacity within their generation. Their success must not be despite their neighborhood or skin color, but because of it. Our students are ready, but are we? Systemically, change must happen to ensure a safe place for all within our community to thrive.

CIS has been and will continue to be a champion of needed change for our students who are part of the global majority. We reach out, accept differences, listen for understanding, pause for silence, provide voice for those struggling, and encourage connection. We will carry forward the memory of George Floyd and all of those before him.  Together with partners and allies, we will create a tomorrow built on social justice, equality and unity for our students whose lives depend on it.

Sincerely,

Lisa Descant, LPC-S, LMFT-S
CEO, Communities In Schools of Houston